Tips for Better Boat Safety

It’s been said that peace is not found in a calmer storm, it’s found in a better boat.So too is peace of mind found in better boat safety. According to Transport Canada, more than 100 people are killed and many more seriously injured in boating accidents every year. And the sad reality is that most serious boating accidents can be avoided.

Licensing and Registration

If you operate or keep your boat primarily in Canadian waters, and it is propelled by a 10 hp motor or more, then you must obtain a pleasure craft licence. Such a licence is valid for 10 years and provides search and rescue personnel with critical information in the event of an emergency.To obtain a pleasure craft licence, you must apply online to Transport Canada.

Safety Requirements

Approximately 90% of pleasure craft drowning deaths are due to failure to wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device. Put simply, wearing a lifejacket is the best protection when boating.

The minimum safety requirements mandated by Transport Canada differ for types of pleasure craft, but in general, you are required to have the following safety equipment (in good working order) onboard:

Operate at a safe speed – you may need to turn suddenly to avoid a collision;

Follow the “rules of the road” for waterways – these rules set out what you must do to avoid a collision and are the law;

Avoid close quarter situations – give plenty of space to other vessels

Do not consume alcohol while operating a boat – your hand-eye coordination and judgment will be impaired (operating a boat while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, as amended); and

Be aware of your surroundings – there may be divers or swimmers in the water.

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Since 2011 Canadian Lawyer Magazine rated us one of the top personal injury law firms in Canada. Why? With close to 20 years helping accident victims and their families, our firm understands the laws that affect your rights to compensation because we’ve helped shape those laws in favour of accident victims.

Among the best in Canada

Since 2011 Canadian Lawyer Magazine rated us one of the top personal injury law firms in Canada. Why? With close to 20 years helping accident victims and their families, our firm understands the laws that affect your rights to compensation because we’ve helped shape those laws in favour of accident victims.